Most Metalheads know of the band Savatage, which started in the early 80’s. Like them or not, Savatage are one of the big names in the Metal community. Some people write them off as not heavy enough, or having to many commercial songs, but I happen to be a Savatage fan.

Over the years Savatage have had some line up changes. One major change happened when a drunk driver killed Chris Olivia. Savatage constantly went from 1 to 2 guitarists over the years, and switched singers two times. I happen to prefer the line up with Jon Olivia on vocals, but I like the other Savatage as well.

“Hall Of The Mountain King” is the bands finest moment. Olivia’s vocals are perfectly aggressive on this album, creating a forbidding atmosphere, which is both freighting and compelling at the same time. Chris Olivia gets a magnificent guitar sound on this album, which is highlighted by a compressed feel to the guitars, which adds a lot of fullness to the sound. Step by step, this album takes you through its haunting environment, stopping for a quick modernized classical music rendition, then proceeding to the classic “Hall Of The Mountain King” (man what a great guitar sound this has). “Devastation” closes the album in style, leaving the listener in deep though about the horrors of war. “Strange Wings” is the only commercialized song that appears on this album, and even that is a good song.

Every Metal collection should be graced with this classic, but if you’re one of those people that only likes one type of metal, I would go ahead and try to track down some sound files of the band before you purchase this album.

© 2001 ramrod